Sounds good! Run boy run!
Dear Don,
You have tried twice before to run for Senate from Nebraska. The first time, you were beat by Chuck Hagel in the primary. The second time, you were beat by Ben Nelson in the general.
What makes you think you can do better this time?
I like you, Don, please don't misunderstand. I voted for you against Nelson, and contributed money to your campaign.
But you, and your campaign, blew your perfect opportunity to win. Your campaign was thoroughly mismanaged. You never went on the offensive. You never pointed out Ben Nelson's voting record outside of the votes he's been a moderate on. Last time, your campaign manager could only have been described as a ditz.
How and why are things any different this time?
In addition, and more to the point in this election:
You lost to money both times (Hagel and Nelson), and this time you are running against money again in Pat Ricketts, formerly of Ameritrade. Do you have a better strategy against money than before, so you can overcome the spending deficit you will be facing?
You are also going against another conservative in David Kramer, also someone I know well. How do you plan to distinguish yourself from David, especially when you have the reputation of no-follow through?
I'm sorry, Don, but until I see something better from your organization, I just cannot join your fight on your side. Right now, I am leaning towards Kramer.
But, I'm giving you a chance, Don. Convince me to support you.
Don Stenberg is good on the issues, but he is a flat-footed, uninspiring candidate. In 2000, he ran far, far behind George W. Bush. In fact, since 1996, Stenberg is the only Republican to lose a statewide race in Nebraska.
Let Pete Ricketts run. At least his money will force Ben Nelson to work for reelection. The unfortunate truth is that Stenberg is a second-tier candidate. Conservatives can do better.